Lock for meter covers



.Aug. 27,- 1929.

A. W. GERNETH ET AL LOCK FOR METER COVERS Filed July 24, 1928 Patented Aug. 27, 1928.

PATENT OFFICE.

AUGUST W. GEBNETH AND STAN HABRALL, F GAINESVILLE, TEXAS.

LOOK FOR METER COVERS.

Application filed July 24, 1928. Serial No. 295,048.

This invention relates to means for securing covers in place and is intended more particularly for application to the covers of Water meters but is adapted for use upon all receptacle covers which are to be secured against unauthorized removal. The object of the invention is to provide a lock of ex ceedingly simple construction which may be produced and applied to a cover at a very in low cost and will eifectually lock the cover in place so that it is not apt to be accidentally dislodged and will resist all ordinary tampering. The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing and will be hereinafter fully set forth and particularly defined.

in the drawing,

Figure 1 is a bottom plan view of a meter box cover having the invention applied thereto,

Figure 2 is a similar lock released,

Figure 3 a diametric section of the up per portion of the meter box with the lock applied,

The meter box or case, indicated at 1, is generally of cylindrical formation with a ring 2 set in its upper end, said ring having an annular shoulder 3 defining the mouth of the box and forming a seat for the circular cover l. The cover is provided on its under side with a cruciform reenforcing rib 5, and one arm of this rib is enlarged at its end, as shown at 6, a notch or slot 7 being formed in the end edge of the enlargement.

view showing the cover, perforated lugs or ears 8 are formed on the under side thereof, and it will be readily noted that the end ofone arm of the rib 5 is located adjacent one of the lugs, an opening 9 being formed through the cover and said arm. The lock consists of a resilient i l-shaped rod 10 having its apex engaged in the notch or slot 7 and its sides diverging therefrom toward the lugs 8 and terminating in straight portions or bolts 11 passing through the lugs 8 to engage under the inner edge or seating shoulder 3 of the ring 2. One side of the lock is bent to merge directly into the terminal bolt 11 but the other side 1s bent to define an open loop or At diametrically opposite points of the gage the case, one

offset 12 from which the terminal bolt projects. When the parts are properly assembled, the offset or loop 12 will be adjacent and normally concentric with the opening 9 whereby a key may be inserted and manipulated to withdraw the bolt and permit removal of the cover. A key is indicated at 13 comprising a shank having any preferred form of handle, at one end and provided at its opposite end with a crank 14 of such shape that it may be easily threaded through the opening 9 and caused to lie within-the plane of the loop 12 between the sides thereof. If the shank be then. rotated about its own axis, the crank will be caused to impinge against the inner side of the loop and, consequently, withdraw the adjacent terminal from under the seating ring 2 whereupon an upward pull exerted through the key will rock the cover upwardly to withdraw the other opposite bolt and permit removal of the cover. A reverse manipulation will seat and lock the cover.

It will be seen from the fore oing description, taken in connection wit the accompanying drawing, that I have provided an exceedingly simple mechanism whereby the cover will be effectually secured in place. No coiled or other extraneous springs are employed and the number of parts is consequently minimized so that the cost of production is very low and repairs are not apt to be needed.

Having fully described our invention what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In mechanism for the purpose set forth, the combination of a case, a cover seating therein and provided on its under side with diametrically opposite guides, and a resilient A-shaped locking rod disposed entirely in a single plane close to and approximately parallel with the underside of the cover anchored at its apex upon the underside of the cover and having its ends constituting bolts passing through the respective guides to on leg of the rod having an open key-engageable loop formed therein.

2. In mechanism for the purpose set forth, the combination of a case, a cover seating therein and provided on its under side with diametrically opposite guides, and a resilient A-shaped locking rod anchored at its apex upon the underside of the cover and having its ends constituting bolts passing through the respective guides to engage the case, the cover having'a key hole therethrough adjacent one of'the guides, and the locking rod being provided with a key-engageable lateral loop adjacent the bolt passing through said guide. 10 In testimony whereof, We have signed this specification. 7

AUGUST W. GERNETHJ STAN HARRALL. 

